River Stone Therapeutic Massage
Cate A. Clark, LMT

Cate A. Clark, LMT
RIVER STONE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

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Keep the Balance

Consider adding regular professional bodywork and therapeutic massage to your self-loving self-care routine. Your massage is a direct path to immediate comfort and sense of well being. Receiving regular massage is an investment in the elasticity of your nervous system, and a degree of insurance against future repeats of pain, injury and limitation. Through mindfulness and lifestyle we build resilience, tone & flexibility into our bodies.

Find a massage therapist that fits with you. Every massage therapist has their own areas of expertise and unique style regarding technique and table-side manner. Informed by the subtlety and nuance of Craniosacral and Lymphatic Therapies, your massage with Cate begins with the activation of para-sympathetic nervous system, the rest & digest part, the part through which we calm ourselves into Balance and Health. For many people, this means getting out of the head and turning the attention of the mind to the body.

Too many words? Ask for a quiet Sea of Tranquility massage, a wordless, signature blend of tension-melting Therapeutic Hot Stones, circulation-promoting Swedish Massage and gentle, precise Deep Tissue.

Enjoy the best of nurturing, luxuriant massage therapy and experience powerful techniques designed to restore and help to maintain your comfort, mobility and well being.

Cate Clark, River Stone Massage
505-401-4015

FRAGRANCE-FREE
Please avoid wearing scents and fragrances to your appointment. Your consideration is appreciated.

PET_FRIENDLY in-home office

Two cats live here.

Hot Stones

Your Sea of Tranquility massage session at River Stone begins with tension-melting warmed jade and basalt stones to soothe surface layers of muscle. In the calm, relaxing atmosphere of my in-home office, you will enjoy an integrated blend of satisfyingly deep, yet appropriately gentle, massage for neck and shoulder, back, hip, arms, hands, legs, and feet. Pressure and heat are always adjusted to your preferences.

River Stone

Community Building in Placitas
Monthly Hands-on Healing Circle
Hands-on and directed-energy exchange
for practitioners of Reiki and other facilitated healing modalities.

Talking Circles
Lets gather to share compassionate conversations about spirituality, Projective Dreamwork, Spiritual Partnerships, codependent peer support, and the healing energies of mutuality and Love.


 “Regardless of whether or not there is a cure, there is always the possibility of a Healing.“


Deep Relaxation Therapy

RIVER STONE’S SIGNATURE MASSAGE

Words can only begin to describe this exquisite massage treatment! 

A smooth-flowing effleurage of heated Jade and Basalt stones in unscented warmed oil deliver tension-melting warmth through muscle layers, soothing and preparing you to receive greater pressure and point-specific work. Heat and pressure are adjusted according to your preferences and comfort levels as you relax into the seamlessly integrated blend of Therapeutic Hot Stone, circulation-promoting Swedish Techniques and gentle, precise Deep Tissue Massage. Muscle tension fades away and healthy comfort is restored.

The Sea of Tranquility is an Integrated Blend of deeply relaxing and truly therapeutic modalities. Combining the best of my training at Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe, NM and Stone Spirits in Kalispell, MT, each session is customized to meet you where you are in the moment and to help ease you toward feeling greater, sustainable comfort and flexibility in your body. The Sea of Tranquility, my signature massage, is an ultimate de-stressing treatment!
More about the massage


Back, Neck, Shoulders

With or without hot stones, this focused treatment begins with precise attention to neck and shoulder areas and may include low back and hip work. This tune-up massage will improve circulation and reduce muscle tension in specific areas of concern while facilitating an over-all state of calm and well being, providing lasting comfort.
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Sunflower

CranioSacral Therapy

There is a rhythm that can be felt anywhere in the body. It is subtler than blood pulse and subtler than the rhythm of breath. Integrating mechanical models, as taught through the Upledger Institute, with the biodynamic perspective of the Etienne Peirsman Zen Cranio Sacral Institute, a CranioSacral treatment uses the gentlest of touch and pressure. The CranioSacral Rhythm can be assessed and restored where it is lacking due to soft tissue restrictions in order to bring greater range of movement and comfort to all the systems of the body. CranioSacral is a very gentle treatment given over a clothed body.

The American Cancer Society understands that Craniosacral Therapy can be advantageous for individuals with cancer, including those with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer attributed to previous asbestos exposure. When used in harmony with cancer treatment methods like chemotherapy or radiation, CranioSacral may relieve headaches and pain throughout the body, restore a feeling of balance and calm, and can even promote immune system function. For more mesothelioma information please visit Mesothelioma.com.
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c. Cate Clark

Lymph Drainage Therapy
Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmic hands-on treatment that can be used to enhance immune function, support detoxification, and can significantly reduce pain and swelling.  MLD is often helpful in cases of Fibromyalgia; Chronic Fatique Syndrome; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Sprains; Whiplash; Hematomas; Tinnitus; Lymphedema; Migraine and sinus headache. MLD is useful in relieving post-surgery edema following joint replacement and other surgeries. MLD can ease some of the side-effects of chemotherapy. Used pre-surgery, MLD can clear inflammatory substances from tissue which tends to shorten recovery time and reduce post-surgery infections.
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Bellybutton


Hand and Foot Reflexology

A focused treatment to restore comfort and ease of movement to achy joints in hands and feet. Expert healing touch and Artisan Herbal blends of all-natural and organic therapeutic oils and salves are used to massage and soothe inflamed joints.
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Foot


Deep Tissue
“Deep Tissue” work releases chronic patterns of muscular tension using slow strokes and direct pressure directed across the grain of muscles. It is applied with greater pressure to deeper layers of muscle, and with greater specificity than Swedish massage. In many areas of the body, the muscles are arranged in layers. Deep tissue massage techniques are designed to reach these deep muscles or the deeper portions of thick muscles.
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c. Cate Clark

Swedish Massage

The term Swedish massage refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and stroking in the same direction as the flow of blood and lymph fluid returning to the heart. Swedish massage uses five main strokes to stimulate the circulation of blood through the body; kneading, stroking, friction, tapping, and vibration.
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c. Cate Clark

Deep Relaxation
Deep Relaxation Massage or Stress Reduction Massage Therapy focuses on decreasing overall muscle tension in the body. This is achieved through hands on full body or targeted massage therapy techniques that bolster the parasympathetic nervous system while calming the sympathetic nervous system. Deep Relaxation Massage helps the body find balance, and when the body finds balance it is in a much better place to deal with the demands we place upon it and to heal itself.

 

Salltbowl

 

 

Two Parts of the Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System:
Responsible for increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and raising blood pressure, the Sympathetic Nervous System is commonly referred to as ‘Fight or Flight,’ the emergency reaction that forces our attention toward real or perceived imminent danger. Stressors, such as traffic, impending deadlines, fear and worry, can activate and keep the sympathetic nervous system on continuous alert. Deep Relaxation Massage soothes this part of the Autonomic Nervous System, allowing the Parasympathetic Nervous System and integral restorative resources, to more fully activate.

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Parasympathetic Nervous System:
Heart rate slows and resources are made available for healing and restoring the body’s internal processes when the parasympathetic nervous system activates. Digestive function is improved through increased intestinal peristalsis and gland activity while over-all relaxation is increased. Your ability to sleep improves and more energy is available for creative pursuits, cognitive processes and problem-solving. Deep Relaxation Massage activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System and reduces over-activity of the Sympathetic. Autonomic Nervous System balance, the inter-dependent function of the two parts, Sympathetic and Parasympathetic, are enhanced.


About the Massage

Sustainable Comfort and Well-Being

When you are looking for Deep Massage Done Right or a lighter touch manual therapy, think of River Stone Massage. Whether your preference is deep tissue or a more gentle massage style, I offer a range of therapeutic techniques to help meet your goals.

Since 1991, I have helped people manage, even resolve, issues of sudden or chronic pain and physical limitation or range of motion problems. Massage Therapy at River Stone is a sure way to undo stress and enjoy good, honest relaxation. It's your massage! Lay back and enjoy a most pleasant treatment!

Your best massage comes from an experienced licensed professional massage therapist. First licensed in 1991, I have over a quarter century experience! I am not old, just well-seasoned! I still learn from each client and it matters to me that I continue to bring fresh enthusiasm to each massage, every time. Getting massage from someone who loves their work matters! It means you will get consistently great massage. Hope you are ready for the best massage ever!

When it comes to Deep Tissue, my work is deeper than some, yet exquisitely gentle and precise. I "listen" to your body and ask you to gauge the depth and pressure for yourself. I encourage you to ask for the massage you want. 


Good deep work is an Art. I'm glad we found one another! You have found a therapist who listens with the intention to hear; a therapist who knows when to stop talking; a therapist with the practical empathy. Experience Gentle, Sensive Deep Massage Done Right for yourself, and get the massage you want! 

At River Stone, you will enjoy the best of nurturing, luxuriant massage and experience powerful techniques designed to restore and help to maintain your comfort, mobility and well being.

This office is dedicated to client-centered therapy based upon ethical professional standards, a life-long commitment to continuing education, technical proficiency and a conscientious massage experience that is All-About-You.

Maintaining a Fragrance-free environment is essential. This office serves those with chemical sensitivities and concerns regarding the dangers of mainstream consumer products. If this applies to you, you have come to the right place. A Fragrance-free massage office is rare! This office is generally safe for those with MCS. Sessions are scheduled at my home office where I can be certain that only unscented and non-toxic products are used.

We ask that you do not smoke or use fragrances prior to your appointment. Clients wearing cologne,  perfume, scented clothing or scented body or hair products cannot be seen in this office. 

Pet Allergies- please be aware that two Bengal cats live in the same building as my dedicated Massage Therapy Room. Cats are not allowed to hang out in Treatment Room, however, invisible dander cannot be avoided.

Please consider your own personal level of pet sensitivity prior to scheduling.

The tranquil, fragrance-free atmosphere is a great place to relax, renew and heal. I invite you to start with the River Stone integrated specialty: The Sea of Tranquility

River Stone Therapeutic Hot Stones

Gemstones Rock!

Ultra-smooth Jade and naturally water-polished Basalt stones radiate a refined quality of tension-soothing warmth for your hot stone massage experience. According to gemstone folk-lore, Jade, the stone of dreams and protection, is said to nourish the skin. Long-time Hot Stone Massage favorite, Basalt, is said to restore muscle structure and support the ability to ‘bounce back’ from difficult times and change. Relax, rejuvenate, and feel the Gemstone difference!

In skilled hands, hot stones feel absolutely wonderful and are perfectly safe! You can rest assured knowing that I have been using hot stones full-time in my practice since 2004. In 2003, I completed comprehensive training in spa hot stone protocols, the best of which influenced my own methods and policies. I make three important distinctions between mainstream industry-standard spa-style hot stone treatments and the way I use Therapeutic Hot Stones at River Stone Massage.

First, the mainstream spa method of adding chemical sanitizers to the hot water between clients, allowing the same oily water and stones to be used all day, does not work for me. My policy is to use a freshly cleaned stone set up and clean hot water for each client every time. 

The second distinction is the protocol that I developed for the safe and therapeutic use of hot stones. For example, I do not take the risk of skin burns associated with mainstream laying-on-of-hot-stones. In my practice heated stones are kept in constant motion with temperature levels monitored by my own hands at all times.

Third, at the mainstream spa, there is always a hefty extra fee for hot stones. In my practice, there is no additional fee. I consider the deep radiant heat derived from the modest use of hot stones to be an important therapeutic tool to enhance the enjoyment and outcome of a great massage!

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Experience the healthy benefits of a River Stone Massage.
Call and book your session today!
River Stone Therapeutic Massage
 
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